Conveyor system



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Patenteol Sept. 9, 1947 CONVEYOR SYSTEM Samuel L. Griswold Knox, NewYork, N. Y., as-

signor to Lamson Corporation, Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New YorkApplication April 25, 1945, Serial No. 590,220 19 claims. (ci. 19e-3s)This invention relates to a conveyor system of the type having aconveyor member traveling along a iiXed path between a plurality ofstations, each having dispatch and/or receiving mechanism automaticallyoperative in response to a selective control mechanism to dispatch andreceive loads to and from the carriers of the conveyor, and asillustrative of its utility the invention is herein shown as embodied ina conveyor of the type illustrated in U. S. patent to Knox No.2,310,462, granted February 9, 1943.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an eicient andreliable selec-tive control mechanism for governing the operation of thedispatch and receiving mechanisms at the various stations.

Further objects relate to various features of the selective controlmechanism and will be apparen-t from consideration of the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings where- Fig. l is an elevationof the upper part of a vertical conveyor, showing the supportingframework, conveyor chain, load carriers, guides, and associated parts;

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the dispatch and receiving mechanisms andassociated actuating means; i

Figs. 3 and 4 are rear and side elevations showing the actuating meansfor the dispatch and receiving mechanisms;

Fig. 5 is a plan View of the selective mechanism, showing itsassociation with a carrier approaching a dispatch or loading station;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged section on the line 6--6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a plan View showing a carrier with set trips approaching areceiving or unloading station;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section on the line 8--8 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is a plan View of the trip-setting drum;

Fig. l0 is a developed view of the trip-setting drum; i

Fig. 11 is a front View of the setting lever for the drum; l

Fig. 12 is a vertical section through' the upper part of the settinglever; and

Fig. 13 is a wiring diagram showing the connections between theactuating solenoids and assoiciated parts.

In accordance with the present invention a conveyor member such as anendless chain or the like, capable vof supporting spaced carriers,travels along a iixed path between a plurality of stations, eachequipped with a dispatch mechanism and/0r a receiving mechanism,including means operative to transfer loads to and from the carriers,and a selective control mechanism governing the operation of thedispatch and receiving mechanisms..

The selective control mechanism comprises a plurality of trips or thelike mounted on each carrier so as to be selectively moved, individuallyor in combination, in accordance with a selected destination of thevload carried thereby, from an inoperative position to an operativeposition by means of trip setting levers corresponding to the trips andarranged so as to swing from an inactive to an active position whereinthey engage and move the trips of a passing carrier to operativeposition.` The trip setting levers are selectively operated by a manualcontrol which may comprise a rotatable member or other suitable meanshaving portions adapted to engage the levers so as to swing one or moreto active position in accordance with the selected destination of theload.

Each dispatch station is provided with electrically actuated means foreffecting the operation of the dispatch mechanism, and to this end asolenoid, motor or the like, may be connected in an electrical circuithaving one or more switches so designed and arranged as to be conjointlyresponsive to a load received by the dispatch mechnism and the approachof an empty carrier to effect V,the operation of the dispatch mechanism.

Each receiving station is likewise provided with electrically actuatedmeans for eiecting the operation of the receiving mechanism, andaccordingly such means may comprise a solenoid or motor connected in anelectrical circuit having switches located in advance of the receivingstation and arranged to be actuated by the trips of an approachingcarrier when set to correspond to the station, thereby to effect theoperation of the receiving mechanism. In addition, each receivingstation is provided with fixed lugs or the like means operative inresponse to the transfer of a load from the carrier to the receivingmechanism to return or restore the set trips corresponding to thatstation back to inoperative position.

, The embodiment herein shown is oi the type employing an endless chainI having vertically arranged ascending and descending runs A and D,respectively. The upper run of a conveyor chain I0 travels over adriving sprocket Il (Fig. 1l) fixed to a shaft l2 which is driven by asprocket i4 and a driving chain i5, the sprocket lll being driven by amotor (not shown) connected thereto through suitable reduction gearing.The conveyor is supported by and operates within a frame structure I6which extends vertically through openings in the several floors of abuilding to provide service therebetween, as more fully illustrated inmy prior Patent No. 2,310,462, to which reference may be had for a moredetailed description of the structure. Each floor may be provided with adispatch or loading station adjacent to the ascending run A of the chaini6 and a receiving or unloading station adjacent to the descending runD. The chain I has pivotally connected to it, as indicated vat 48, aplurality of properly spaced load carriers C, each comprising a verticalback member 20 (Figs. 1, 4, 6 and '1) having at its upper and lower endslaterally projecting arms 2| and 22 which carry guide rolls 23 and 24.These guide rolls run on endless rails 25, 26 and 21 (Fig. l) suitablysecured to the frame `|46 and so arranged that as each carrier travelsin a semicircular path, at 4the upper and lower runs, its back 20 lis atVall .times guided `and supported in the Asame vertical lposition vasVwhen travelling along the vertical run :between the ends of theconveyor, it being understood that the lower part of Ithe conveyormechanism is substantially Kthe same as the upper partas illustratedinFig. 1,-except that :the guide rails 25%21 are in an inverted position.In Vorder to assist the travel of the carriers around .the curves .atthe upper and lower ends of the conveyor, `the lower end of each carrieris provided `with a-xed gear or guide -rack 28 adapted to mesh with avplurality of small gears (not shown) rotatably mounted incircumferentially spaced relation von `the rear face of the sprocketssupporting the chain.

The outer ends of the lower arm 22 yof each carrier C are secured toforwardly projecting horizontally disposed load-supporting arms 3U and3| `having inwardly oiset portions providing shoulders upon which a boXB (Fig. `4) or the like container, hereinafter referred Vto as the load,may be `squarely seated, lugs 22 or .the `like retaining means )beingz,provided on fthe ends of the arms 30, 3| vto prevent accidentaldisplacement vof the load. Vith this construction and arrangement thecarrier C, whether loaded or empty, is propelled by the chain andtravels `upthe-ascending run A, around the'upper curved track, down thedescending run D, and about the lower curved track with its back 20 atall times maintained in vertical position and its load-carrying arms 30,3| in Ahorizontal position.

The pivotal connection |8 between the chain lil and each carrier C isprovided with an eX- tension, as shown in Figs. 4 and 7, which carries aroller and 'van upstanding finger, the ftwo parts constituting anoperating lug 35, the utility of vwhich is hereinafter pointed out.

Each dispatch station is -provided lwith a pair of spaced rail-s 401,41(Figs. 2 and 4) :which project lhorizontally on each side ofthe pathof-travel of the carriers on the ascending run A, and a dispatchcarriage 45 {Figs. 2 and 4), equipped with grooved rollers 46, travels`back and -forth on the rails 40, 4| from a retracted position, as shownin the full lines of Figs. 2 and 4, to a forward or load transferposition in the path of travel of the ascending carriers. Each dispatchcarriage 45 is provided with three horizontally projecting fingers 48which constitute a transfer rack arranged Ato 'project vinto the path oftravel of an ascending carrier between arms 30 and 3| lthe ascending runof the chain I.

position, as shown in Fig. 2, to a forward or load- Vtransfer position.

The carriage 56 is provided with horizontally projecting fingers 58constituting a transfer rack arranged to project into the path of travelof the descending carriers so 'that a load on a passing carrier isintercepted and thus transferred to the carriage when the latter ismoved to load transfer position. If desired, a roller conveyor 60,comprising an inclined frame 6| having rolls 62 mounted thereon, may bearranged, as shown in Fig. 2, so as to receive loads picked up by the.carriage 55 and convey them away from the station.

The actuating mechanism for both the dispatch and receiving stations(Figs. 2 4) are substantially the same and accordingly the samereference characters are applied to the same operating elements. Themechanism comprises a link having its outer end pivotally connected tothe frame of the adjacent carriage, as shown in Fig. 2, and its innerend pivotally -connected through a coupling 66 to the outer .end of arocker arm `68. The inner end of the arm 68 is rigidly secured to thehub 'Ill of a bevel gear meshing -with a larger bevel gear 12 rotatablymounted on the framework I'B, the construction and arrangement of partsbeing such that when gear 12 :is rotated through an angle of the orderof the gear 1| rotates and swings the arm `68 through an angle of theorder of thereby drawing the link 65 inwardly, as indicated by the dotand dash vlines of Fig. 4, thus pulling the associated carriage fromretracted position to loadtransfer position. Reverse rotation .of thegear 'I2 is effective to retract the carriage from loadtransfer-position'to normal or retracted position.

The mechanism operating each of the'gears l2 is in principle the same,although :the arrangement of parts diifers so that the gear 72assoelated with the Adispatch carriage is operated by the lug 35 whentraveling along the ascending run, and the gear 12 associated with thereceiving carriage is loperated .by the same lug when traveling downvthe descending run. Referring to Fig. 3, the hub 15 vof the gear 'l2associated with the dispatch station is pivotally connected to avbifurcated coupling 'I6 Ypositioned on the end of an arm 78 whichnormally projectsdownwardly with its bent free end 'I9 disposed adjacentto The bifur cated coupling 'I6 includes a spring or the like resilientelement (not shown) operative yieldingly to urge the arm '|18 outwardlyaway from the chain run so that its end 'I9 is normally spaced outwardlyfrom the line of travel of the operating lug 35. The opposite side ofhub 'l5 is rigidly connected Vto a small arm '80, the outer end of whichis pivotally secured .to the lower end of a link 8|, and the upper endof link Y8| is pivotally connected to an arm -82 which is pivotallymounted at 83 on the framework |6. The arm 82 normally projects upwardlywith its bent lend 84 positioned inwardly relative to the chain run andline of travel of the lugs 35. With this construction and arrangement-the lower arm 18 may be swung inwardly toward the chain run tooperating position wherein it is engaged and lifted by an operating lug35 carried by the chain l0, and when so operated the chain le swings armi8 upwardly thereby rotating gear I2 counterclockwise (Fig. 3) throughan angle of approximately 90 before the angular position of the arm l issuch as to disengage the lug 35; and simultaneously the arm 82 is swungdownwardly to bring its end 84 into a position to be engaged by the sameoperating lug 35 that operates the arm T8. As the chain l0 travelsupwardly the lug 35 engages the end 55 and swings the arm 82 upwardly,thereby rotating gear l2 clockwise back to its original position by thetime the operating lug 35 has become disengaged from the end 84 of arm82. In the meantime the gear 'F2 operates the links 515 to move theassociated carriage from retracted position to load-transfer positionand back to retracted position, as above explained, thereby transferringits load to the passing carrier.

The mechanism for the receiving or unloading station is similar, but thehub l of gear 'i2 is rigidly connected with an arm 88 which normallyprojects downwardly with its bent end 89 p0- sitioned closely adjacentto but spaced inwardly of the descending run of chain i0 and operatinglugs 35 carried thereby, as shown in Fig. 3.

The intermediate portion of arm 53 is pivotally connected to the lowerend of a link 50, the upper end of which is pivotally connected to oneend of a small rocker arm '9| pivoted at 52 to the framework l5. Theopposite end of rocker arm 5| is pivotally connected to a biurcatedcoupling 94 secured to a lower end oi an operating arm 55 which normallyprojects upwardly with its bent free end 95 adjacent to but spacedoutwardly of the chain run and line ci travel of the operating lugs 35.The bifurcated coupling 9s is the same as the coupling 16 and yieldinglyurges arm 55 outwardly of the chain run. The arm`55, like arm 18, may beswung toward the descending run of chain l0 to operating position so asto be engaged by a lug 35 and when thus positioned an operating lug 35traveling along the descending run swings the arm 95 downwardly toeffect an approximate 90 rotation of gear 12 in a clockwise direction(Fig. 3) and consequent operation of the receiving mechanism; andsimultaneously the arm 88 is swung upwardly so as to be engaged by thesame operating lug 35 shortly aiter it disengages from the end 95 of arm35, thereby effecting rotation of the gear l2 in a counterclockwisedirection to return the receiving mechanism to retracted position, asabove explained. The b-ack and forth movement of the receiving carriage55 takes place as a carrier is passing by the station and is thuseffective to transfer a load from the carrier C to the receivingcarriage 55 which in turn transfers it to the conveyor 50.

The selective control, as herein shown, is designed to operate thedispatch mechanism automatically in response to a load received by thedispatch carriage, the approach of an empty carrier and the setting ofthe control mechanism for a selected destination of the load, and alsoto operate the receiving mechanism automatically in response to theapproach of a carrier with a load for the selected receiving station.Accordingly, the dispatch carriage 45 at each dispatch station (Figs. 2and 4) is provided with a normally open switch |0| having an L-shapedactuating lever |02 mounted with its free end `projecting upwardly abovethe level of iingers 48 so as to be depressed to close switch IBI when aload B is placed on a carriage, the switch being connected in a controlcircuit hereinafter described.

Below each dispatch station there is mounted a feeler device comprisinga normally closed switch |05 (Fig. 4) having an actuating arm |06engageable with a cam-like portion |01 of a eeler arm |08 pivotallymounted at |09 to the frame I6 so that its free end projects into thepath of travel and between the supporting arms 30, 3| of the ascendingcarriers. If a passing carrier is empty the arm |08 remains inactive, asillustrated by the dot and dash lines of Fig. 4, but when the carrier isbearing a load B, then the feeler arm is engaged thereby and swingsupwardly, as illustrated by the full lines of Fig. 4, so as to openswitch |05 which is likewise connected in the control circuit.

A normally open station-operating switch (Fig. 4) is mounted on the rearof the framework |6 at about the level of switch |55 and is providedwith an actuating iinger I2 which projects into the path of travel oflug 35 so as to be operated thereby momentarily to close switch as acarrier C approaches the dispatch station and during the period whenswitch |55 would be or is being operated by the feeler arm |08. Theswitch is` also connected in the control circuit in series with switches|0| and |05 (Fig. 13) so that the circuit through these switches can beclosed only by a load on the dispatch carriage 45 and the approach of anempty carrier, it being noted that a loaded carrier approaching thestation holds switch |05 open during the period when switch |I isclosed.

At the rear of the frame |6 above the level of the dispatch stationthere is located a stationrestoring switch ||5 (Figs. 3 and e) which isnormally closed and is provided with an operating arm or nger IIBprojecting into the path of travel of lug 35 so as to be operatedthereby momentarily to open switch ||5 after the carrier C has departedfrom the dispatch station. thereby opening the control circuit torestore the station and associated mechanisms to normal position, ashereinafter explained.

The actuating means (parts (i5- 95) for the dispatch mechanism (parts40-46) is electrically operated in response to the closing of theswitches |0I, and the approach of an empty carrier C which permitsswitch |05 to remain closed, and to this end a solenoid |20 (Figs. 3 and4) mounted on the framework IB, has its armature connected to one end ofa link |2|, the opposite end `oi which is connected to a rocker arm orplate |22 pivotally mounted at |23 (Fig. 4) to the framework l5. Therocker plate |22 is connected through a link |24 (Fig. 4) to a iinger|25 engageable with the lower end of a shipper bar or rod |26, the upperend of which is pivotally mounted at |28 to the framework I5. The lowerend of the shipper bar |26 extends across and in contact with the lowerend portion of the arm 18, its outward movement being limited by a stop`|29 (Fig. 4) carried by the framework l5. The construction andarrangement of parts are such that when solenoid |20 is energized, itoperates through link |2I, rocker plate |22, link |24, and ringer |25 topull the actuating arm 1B inwardly to operating position.

Substantially the same mechanism is employed to operate arm of theactuating mechanism for the receiving station, and as shown in Fig. 3,

asolenoid |36 is mounted on the framework I6 above the level of thereceiving station and operates through a link 3|, a rocker plate |32pivoted at |33, a second link |34 and linger |35 to pull a shipper bar|36 inwardly. The lower end of the shipper bar |36 is pivoted to theframework at |38 and extends upwardly across and in Contact with theupper end portion of actuating arm 95. Hence, when solenoid |36 isenergized it operates to pull arm 95 inwardly to operating position.

Referring to Figs. -12, the delivery of the load picked up at a dispatchstation is governed by a mechanism which comprises a bank of trips |46(Figs. 5-8) mounted on a common shaft |4| carried by a bracket |42 whichis rigidly secured to the outer face of arm 3|] of each carrier C. Aplurality of U-shaped springs |44, one for each trip, carried by thebracket |42 with free ends engaging square hubs |43 (Fig. 6) yon thetrips |46, yieldingly oppose rotation of the trips and normally holdthem in an inoperative or unset position (Fig. 6). The trips are soshaped that when in inoperative position their relatively wide flatheads or active portions |45 (Figs. 5-7) are within the confines of thebracket |42, although their hooked outer ends |56 project outwardlybeyond the connes of the bracket |42, but when swung downwardly tooperative position (Fig. 8), their active portions or heads |45 pro-jectoutwardly beyond the confines or side line of bracket |42, asillustrated in Fig. 7 wherein `the two set trips a and b at the innerend of shaft |4| are in set or operative position and the other trips cto y are in inoperative position.

The trips |46 are set by a plurality of trip-setting levers (Figs. 5 and6) corresponding in number and location to the trips |40 and theselevers are pivotallymounted on a rock shaft |5| which is rotatablymounted in brackets |52 secured to the framework I6. The levers |50 areL-shaped with their depending ends |54 positioned so as to be swungoutwardly from inactive position to tripsetting position wherein theyare engageable with the hooked ends |46 of trips |66, as illustrated bythe dot and dash lines of Fig. 6, when a carrier C is passing thedispatch station. Each trip is provided with a hub l| 55 which has africtional grip about rock shaft |5| such as produced by a conventionalspring pressed ball and socket arrangement or the like (not shown) whichis normally effective to swing the lower ends |54 of the leversoutwardly when shalt |5| is rocked in a clockwise (Fig. 6) direction,but which permits slippage between the shaft and each lever when thelatter is restrained or held against rotation.

An L-shaped rocker arm |60 (Figs. 5 and 6) is pinned or otherwise fixedto each end of shaft |5| and the depending end |6| of each arm issecured to one end of a tension spring |62, the other end of which issecured to the bracket |52, the springs |62 yieldingly urging the shaft|5| counterclockwise (Fig. 6) so as to hold vthe tripsetting levers |50in inactive or retracted position. The upper end |63 of each rocker armsupports one end of a rod |64 which extends horizontally beneath and incontact with the tails |65 of the trips |50, as shown in Fig. 6. Thesprings |62 not only act through shaft |5| and hubs |55 to hold thetrip-setting levers in inactive position, but also through rod |65 tolift the tails |65 upwardly against a stop rod |66 which extends betweenthe ends of bracket |52 and above the tails |65 to provide a stop, asshown in Figs. 5 and 6.

The upper end |63 of one of the rocker arms is pivotally secured to oneend of a link 68 (Figs. 5 and 6), the other end of which is pivotallysecured to the plunger or armature |69 (Fig. 6) of a solenoid |70mounted on the framework. Hence, when solenoid |70 is energized it actsto swing the arm 63 'downwardly against the action of springs |62 torotate shaft |5| in a clockwise direction and thus swing the lower ends|56 of the trip-setting levers outwardly from inactive position, shownby the full lines of Fig. 6, to an active position, as shown by the dotand dash lines, unless restrained in the manner hereinafter described.Conversely, when the solenoid is deenergized the springs |62 act torestore the tripsetting levers as above explained.

The operation of solenoid |76 is also effective to close a normally openrelay switch |72 (Fig. 5), and to this end the operating lever |73 ofswitch |72 is connected through a link |76 and an arm |75 to rockershaft |5l, the construction and arrangement of parts being such thatwhen the shaft |5| rocks in a clockwise direction (Fig.

16) it acts to close switch |72 which, as hereinafter pointed out,controls a relay or holding circuit which maintains a closed circuitthrough the Solenoids |20 and |76 until after the carrier C has passedthe dispatch station.

Although the movements of the trip-setting 1evers may be selectivelycontrolled by any means capable of effecting the operation of one ormore levers, the particular means herein shown by way of examplecomprises a cylinder or drum |36 (Figs. 5, 6 and 9) secured to a shaft|8| which is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings |82 secured to theframework. The shaft I8! is provided with an extension |93 (Fig. 5), theouter end of which carries a crank handle |65 cooperating with a dial orindex |86 (Figs. 5, l1 and l2) and by means of which the drum may berotated in one direction or the other. The face of the drum, as shown inFigs. 9 and 1l), is formed with a plurality of openings or recesses |96which are shaped and arranged to receive depending lugs |9| (Fig. 6)secured to or integral with the under face of the tails |63 of thetrip-setting levers. When solenoid |7|l is energized the levers |59 areurged to swing clockwise but are restrained by lugs |9| which engage theimperiorate surface of the drum |86, unless the drum has been set so asto bring one or more of the openings l 9|) into registry with one ormore of the lugs |9|, in which event one or more of the levers |59 swingto active or trip-setting position.

By properly locating the openings |66 selective control of the operationof any lever or combination of levers |59 may be accomplished and bycorrelating the location of the openings |90 with indicia on dial |86,the handle |85 may be swung to a position wherein it selectivelycontrols the operation of any lever or combination of levers. The handle|35 may be locked in any of a plurality of positions corresponding tothe setting of :any lever or combination of levers by means of a springpressed pin |94 (Fig, 12) associated with a knob |95 provided on thefree end of handle |85, the pin |94 being designed to project intocircumferentially spaced openings |96 formed on the face of the dial|86.

With this construction and arrangement the handle |35 may be rotated inone direction or the other to bring one or more openings |66 into regandthe approach of an empty carrier C, solenoid |20 is energized and eiectsclosing of switch H2 which in turn not only effects energization oi'solenoid |25, but also the relay solenoid 249 and consequent closing ofholding 'switch 2M. Although the closing of switch is momentary, theholding circuit is now established and hence the solenoids |20, |70 and240 remain energized after switches and open so as to operate theshipper bar |25 which in turn controls the operation of the dispatchmechanism. When the departing carrier C momentarily opens switch l theholding circuit is broken and all solenoids are deenergized, therebyrestoring the station to normal.

In event a loaded carrier C were approaching a dispatch station having aload on its carriage 45, the feeler arm |08 of switch |85 would beengaged by the load and hence the switch E95 would be opened, therebybreaking and holding open the circuit 232 during the time when switch ismomentarily closed, and thus prevents energization of the solenoids. Inlike manner an empty dispatch carriage 45 would .permit switch to remainopen and hence prevent operation of the dispatch mechanism in all caseswhere there was no load to be transferred to the approaching carrier.

Receiving circuit 234 comprises the normally open trip-controlledswitches 2Ei| (located on the approaching side of the receiving stationand arranged in a predetermined position corresponding to the particularreceiving station) the normally closed safety switch 22| (locatedbeneath the receiving carriage 55 and opened by a load on the retractedcarriage), and the normally closed station-restoring switch 2|| (openedmomentarily by a departing carrier), all connected in series. Thecircuit through these switches is connected to the power line 23| and toone terminal of a relay solenoid 25B, the other terminal or" which isdirectly connected to the power line 239. The relay solenoid 250operates a pair or" normally open switches 25| and 252, the switch 25|connecting power line 230 with one terminal of actuating solenoid |36,the other terminal of which is directly connected to power line 23|, andthe switch 252 being connected in parallel with switches 28| and 22| andconstituting a holding circuit established by the closing of switches 2QAccordingly, when the switches Zii are momentarily closed by the settrips |138 of an approaching carrier with a load for the station and theswitch 22| remains closed by reason of an empty receiving carriage,relay solenoid 256 is energized and closes switches 25| and 252, theformer establishing a closed circuit through solenoid |39 and the latterestablishing the holding circuit. A s a carrier passes the station theswitches 20| open but as the holding circuit has been established thesolenoids 25! and |3llremain energized until the empty carrier indeparting from the station operates switch 2| which breaks the holdingcircuit, thereby deenergizing the solenoids |36 and 250 and restoringthe station to normal. In the meantime the load carriage 55 has beenretracted and opens switch 22| during the interval required to transferits load to conveyor 60.

In event a load previously received by the carriage 55 has not beenremoved, the safety switch 22| remains open and hence preventsenergization of relay solenoid 250 and the consequent operation of theactuating mechanism. In such event, the loaded carrier would necessarilymake another complete circuit and continue to do so until the load hadbeen removed from the receiving carriage 55. It will be noted that inall cases where the load is not discharged from a carrier C the tripsMil on that carrier remain set and can only be reset when the load isactually transferred to a receiving carriage 55.

While I have shown and described one desirable embodiment of theinvention it is to be understood that this disclosure is for the purposeof illustration and that various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a conveyor system of the type having a conveyor member travelingalong a fixed path between a plurality of stations, carriers secured tosaid member at spaced intervals and adapted to receive and carry a loadfrom one station to another, dispatch mechanism at several of thestations for delivering a load to a carrier and receiving mechanism atseveral of the stations for receiving a load borne by a carrier, controlmechanism for governing the operation of the dispatch and receivingmechanisms, comprising a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier soas to be individually moved from inoperative position to an operativeposition, a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station along the path of travel of thecarriers to move from one position to another, lever-setting means ateach dispatch station including a rotatable member having a cylindricalsurface engageable with said levers to hold them in one position andspaced openings shaped to receive parts of said levers to permit them tomove to another position, the parts being constructed and arranged tooperate selected levers, so as to move the corresponding trips on a passing carrier from inoperative to operative position, an electricalcontrol circuit at each dispatch station conjointly responsive to a loadreceived by the dispatch mechanism and the approach of an empty carrierfor eiecting operation of the dispatch mechanism, and an electricalcontrol cir- Vcuitl at each receiving'station responsive to a particularsetting of the trips of an approaching carrier for operating thereceiving mechanism.

2. In a vertical conveyor system of the type having an endless conveyormember arranged to dene ascending and descending runs between severalioors of a building, carriers secured to said member at spaced intervalsand adapted to receive and carry a load from one station to another,dispatch mechanism at several of the stations adjacent to the ascendingrun for delivering a load to a carrier, and receiving mechanism atseveral of the stations adjacent to the descending run for receiving aload borne by the carrier, control mechanism for governing the Operationof the dispatch and receiving mechanisms comprising a plurality of tripsmounted on each carrier so as to be individually moved from aninoperative position to an operative position, a plurality oftrip-setting levers corresponding to said trips and mounted at eachdispatch station along the ascending run of the carriers to move fromone position to another, lever-setting means at each dispatch stationincluding a rotatable member having a cylindrical surface engageablewith said levers to hold them in one position and spaced openings shapedto receive parts of said levers to permit them to move to anotherposition, the parts being constructed and arranged to operate 1231selected' leverssoas to move the corresponding trips on a carrier frominoperative to operative position, an electrical control circuit ateachstation conjointly responsive to a load received by the dispatchmechanism and the approach of an empty carrier for effecting operationof the dispatch mechanism, an electrical control circuit at eachreceiving station responsive to a particular setting of the trips of anapproaching carrier for operating the receiving mechanism, and means ateach receiving station responsive'to the operation of said receivingmechanism for resetting the set trips. corresponding-to that stationbackto inoperative position. i'

3, In a conveyor system of thetype having an endless conveyor memberarranged to deiine ascending and descending runs between several oorsofa building, carriers secured'to-saidmember at` spaced intervals and'adapteduto receivefand carry a load from one stationto another, dispatchmechanism -at several of the stations adjacent to the ascending runincluding transfer means horizontally movable into and. out. ofload-transfer position with respect to carriers traveling along theascending run, and receiving mechanism at several of the stationsadjacent to the descending run, including transfer means horizontallymovable into and out of load-transfer position with respect to carrierstraveling along the descending run, control mechanism for governing theoperation of the dispatch and receiving mechanisms, comprising aplurality of trips mounted on each carrier so as tobe individually swungfrom an inoperative position to an operative position, a plurality oftrip-setting levers corresponding to said trips and mounted at eachdispatch station along the ascending run so as to swing outwardly frominactive position to active position so as to engage the trips of apassing carrier, lever-setting means at each dispatch station includinga rotatable drum engageable with said levers to hold them in inactiveposition, said drum having spaced openings to receive parts of saidlevers and permit selected levers to. move from inactive position to anactive position wherein the selected, levers set the corresponding tripson a passing carrier to operative position, means at each dispatchstation conjointly responsive to a load received by the transfer meansand the appreach of an empty carrier for operating the transfer means ofthe dispatch mechanism into. and out of load-transfer position in timedrelation to the travel of the empty carrier by the` station, means alongthe descending run and in advance of each receivingy station responsiveto a particular setting of the trips ot an approaching carrier foroperating the transf-er means of the receiving mechanism into and out ofload-transfer position in timed relation to the travel of a carrierbythe station, and means at each receiving station responsive to theoperation of said receiving mechanism for resetting the set tripscorresponding to, that station back to inoperative position.

4. In a conveyor system of the type having an endless conveyor memberarranged to deiine ascending and descendingruns between several oors ofa building, carriers secured to said member at spaced intervals andadapted` to receive and carry a load from one station to another,dispatch mechanism at several of the stations adjacent to the ascendingrun including transfer means horizontally movable into and out ofload-transier position with respect to carriers travelingalongtheascending run, and receiving mechanismatseveralzoflthe stations adjacentto theldescending run, includingtransfer means horizontally movable intoand` outcf load-transferpositionv with respect-,to carrierstravelingalong the descending run, control mechanism for governing theoperation ofthe. dispatch and. receiving mechanisms, comprising aplurality of trips mounted` on each carrier so. as to be individuallyswung from an inoperative position to an operativeposition, a pluralityof` trip-setting levers corresponding tosaid.. tripsand mounted at eachdispatch station alongthe ascending. run' so as to swing outwardly frominactive position. t0 active position so asto engage the trips of vapassing carrier, lever-setting meansat each dispatch sta-f tionincluding. a rotatable. drum engageable with said levers to holdthem in.inactive position, said drum having spaced openings to receive parts ofsaid: levers and. permit selected levers to movev from inactivepositiontoan active position wherein thefselected levers set thecorrespondingtrips on a passingA carrier toA operative position, meansat each dispatch station conjointly responsive to a load received bythetransfer means. and the approach of an empty carri-er for operating. thetransfer. means of the. dispatch mechanism into and out of load-transferposition in timed relation to the travel of the empty carrier. by thestation, means along the descending run and in advance of each.receiving station responsive toa particular setting of the trips ot al1approaching carrier for operating the transfer means ofthe receivingmechanism into and out of load-transfer position in timed relation tothe travel of a carrier by the station, and meanscarried by the transfermeans of the receiving. station for resetting the set trips of a carrierback to'` inoperative position.

5. In a conveyor system of the type having a conveyor member travelingalong a fixe-d path between a plurality of stations, carriers secured tosaid member at spaced intervals and `adapted to receive and carry a loadfrom one station to another, dispatch mechanism at several of thestations fori delivering a load to a carrier' and receiving mechanism atseveral of the stations for receiving a load borne by a carrier, controlmechanism at each dispatch station governing the operation'` of thedispatch mechanism, comprising a plurality of trips mounted on eachcarrier so as to be individually moved Afrom inoperative position to anoperative position, a plurality of tripsettingV levers corresponding tosaid trips and mounted at each dispatch station along the path of travelof the carriers, lever-setting means at each dispatch station including.a rotatable drum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable with Said levers to holdthem in an inactive positionV andsaid openings being arrangedv to receive parts of said levers to permitthem to move to an` active position to operate selected levers so as tomove the corresponding trips on a passing carrier from inoperative tooperative position, an electrical circuit including a, solenoidoperative when energized to actuate the dispatch mechanism, anormallyopen switch carried by the dispatch mechanism and so arranged as to beclosedi when a `load is placed on the dispatch mechanism, a normallyclosed switch having an actuating member projecting into the path oftravel of the carriers so as to engage a load carried. thereby andv openthe 'switch,'the two switches being connected in series with each otherand in the 'circuit of said solenoid so asto control.V the operation ofthe dispatch mechanism, and means ateach. receiving station responsiveto a particular I setting of the trips of an approaching carrier foroperating the receiving mechanism.

6. In a conveyor system of the type having a conveyor 4member travelingalong a fixed path between a plurality 0f stations, carriers secured tosaid member at spaced intervals and adapted to receive and carry a loadfrom one station to another, dispatch mechanism at several of thestations for delivering a load to a carrier and receiving mechanism atseveral of the stations for receiving a load borne by a carrier, controlmechanism for governing the operation of the dispatch and receivingmechanisms, comprising a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier soas to be individually moved from inoperative position to an operativeposition, a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station along the path of travel of thecarriers, lever-setting means at each dispatch station including arotatable drum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable with said levers to hold them in an inactive position andsaid openings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to permitthem to move to an active position to operate selected levers so as tomove the corresponding trips on a passing carrier from inoperative tooperative position, means at each dispatch station conjointly responsiveto a load received by the dispatch mechanism and the approach of anempty carrier for operating the dispatch mechanism, control means ateach receiving station comprising an electrical circuit including asolenoid operative when energized to actuate the receiving mechanism, atleast one normally open switch located in advance of the receivingstation, said switch being connected in said circuit and havingactuating means positioned so as to be engaged by a predeterminedsetting of at least one of the trips of a carrier approaching thestation thereby to close the switch and eiect the operation of thereceiving mechanism, and means at each receiving station for resettingthe trips corresponding to that station back to inoperative position.

7. In a conveyor system of the type having a conveyor member travelingalong a fixed path between a plurality of stations, carriers secured tosaid member at spaced intervals and adapted to receive and carry a loadfrom one station to another, dispatch mechanism at several of thestations for delivering a load to a carrier and receiving lmechanism at;several of the stations for receiving a load borne by a carrier, controlmechanism for governing the operation of the dispatch and receivingmechanisms, comprising a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier soas to be individually moved from inoperative po-sition to an operativeposition, a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station along the path of travel of thecarriers, lever-setting means at each dispatch station including arotatable drum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable with said levers to hold them in an inactive position andsaid openings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to permitthem to move to an active position to operate selected levers so as tomove the corresponding trips on a passing carrier from inoperative tooperative position, an electrical circuit including a solenoid andcircuit holding relay operative when energized t0 actuate the dispatchmechanism, a normally open switch carried by the dispatch mechanism andarranged so as to be closed when a load is placed on the dispatchmechanism, a normally closed switch having an actuating memberprojecting into the path of travel of an approaching carrier so as toengage a load carried thereby and open the switch, a normally openswitch located in advance of each dispatch station and arranged to beclosed by a carrier approaching the station, the' three switches beingconnected in series with each other and in the circuit of said solenoidso as to control the operation of the dispatch mechanism, a fourthswitch connected with the circuit-holding relay and disposed on thedeparting side of said station, said fourth switch being normally closedand operated by a carrier leaving said station to cut out said relay, aSecond electrical circuit; associated with each receiving station andincluding a solenoid and circuit-holding relay operative when energizedto actuate the receiving mechanism, at least one normally open switchlocated in advance oi the station, said switch being connected in saidsecond circuit and having actuating means positioned so as to be engagedby a predetermined setting of at least one of the trips of a carrierapproaching the station thereby to close the switch and effect operationof the receiving mechanism, and means at each receiving station forresetting the set trips corresponding to that station back toinoperative position.

8. In a conveyor system of the type having a conveyor member travelingalong a iiXed path between a plurality of stations, carriers secured tosaid member at spaced intervals and adapted to *eceive and carry a loadfrom one station to another, dispatch mechanism at several of thestations ior delivering a load to a carrier and receiving mechanism atseveral of the stations for receiving a load borne by a carrier, controlmechanism for governing the operation of the dispatch and receivingmechanisms, comprising a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier soas to be individually moved from inoperative position to an operativeposition, a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station alo-ng the path of travel of thecarriers, lever-setting means at each dispatch station including arotatable drum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable with said levers to hold them in an inactive position andsaid openings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to permitthem to move to an active position to operate selected levers so as tomove the corresponding trips on a passing carrier from inoperative tooperative position, means at each dispatch station conjointly responsiveto a load received by the dispatch mechanism and the approach of anempty carrier for operating the dispatch mechanism, control means ateach receiving station comprising an electrical circuit including asolenoid operative when energized to actuate the receiving mechanism, atleast one normally open switch located in advance of the receivingstation, said switch being connected in said circuit and havingactuating means positioned so as to be engaged by a predeterminedsetting of at least one of the trips of a carrier appreaching thestation thereby to close the switch and eiiect the operation of thereceiving mechanism, a normally closed switch at each receiving stationarranged so as to be opened by a load transferred from a passingcarrier, said switch being connected in said circuit so as to preventthe energization of said solenoid when a load transferred to saidreceiving mechanism has not been removed, and means at each receivingstacacao v I7 tion for resetting the trips? corresponding tothat stationback toinoperative position'.

9. In a conveyor system of the typelhavinek an endless conveyor memberarranged to define as cending` and descending. runs loe-tween severalfloors of a building, carriers secured to said mem ber at spacedintervals and adapted to receive and carry a load from on'e'station-to"another-,- dispatch mechanism at several of the' stationsl adjacent to`the ascending. runI including lifting Imeans horizontally movable' intoand out of load transfer position with respect to carriers traveling'along the ascending` run,.and receiving mechanism at severalI of the`stations adjacent tothe descending run, including` lifting meanshorizontallymovable intov and out of. load' transfer position withrespect to carriers'- travelingV along thedescending run; controlmechanism for' governing tlief operation of the dispatch and receive inemechanismscomprising. a plurality of trips mounted on each'-carrier'soas' to bef individually :wrongv from aninoperative'position toan operative position;4 a plurality of trip-setting1 levers"correspending4 to' said tripsf and mountedv at each disp'atch stationalong the ascending run so as' to swing: outwardly from inactiveposition to' engage the tripso`f a passing. carrien; lever-setting.means a't each dispatch' station including a rotatable rlriirrtrhav-ing; spaced openings, th'ef surface` or said drum being.erigageablewitliv said'` levers to' hold them inY inactive position andsaid openings beingv arranged to receive parts of' said levers to' per'-mit selected levers to" swing from inactive position. to). an. active'position wherein the selected leversl setthe corresponding trips onapassing carrier to operative position', meansl at? each dispatch.station ccnjointly resfxmsivefv to a loadl re'- cei-ved by the lifting:means andy the approach of an empty carrier for operating. tlieflifting.' means of the' dispatch mechanism into' and out ofload transferposition in: timed: relation to` the travel ofthe empty carrier by thestation,A control means at each receiving. station' comprising' anelectrical circuitl including a solenoid operative when energized-`toactuate the receiving. mechanism, anormall-yl opened switch located'-in4 advance of said receiving? station',-V said switclibeing' connectedin sai-d5 circuit and having; actuating means posi tioned' so`-` as tobeengaged-.by a predetermined setting of the trips of` the carrierapproaching the stationthereby to' close-theswitch and:y eiiect theoperationi of the receiving. mechanism, a normally closedy switch: ateachreceiving station arranged tobe opened by a load transferred' fromapasse ing carrier; said switch beingi connected' in' said circuit soias to prevent the energizatlon or?Y said solenoid when aload-transferred to said receiving mechanism has7 not beenfremoved, andmeans: at each receiving station. for resetting; the tripa 'crrespondingto that' station back to inoperative position'.-

l0. In av conveyor: system of the typehaving- .an endless conveyormember arranged to' defineass (zending and descending runs betweenseveral doors' of a building;r carriers-securedto said niemberait-spaced intervals and adapted to freceiveandcarry a-load from onestation-to'another, dispatch mechanism. at. several? of the stationsadjacent to the ascendingrung. including a; dispatch carriage:

horizontally movableintotand outiofload transfer position with' respectto carriers: traveling; alone theascending.- run, and4 receivingmechanism at several:v of thestations adjacent to the descend#- ing;vrun",i includingzzareceiving carriage herleefti tally-movable" intoand'out or: loadf transf-esposte tion@ position with respect to carrierstraveling along: the descendingrun,.- control mechanism for governing"the operation of the dispatch and receivngV mechanisms,I comprising aplurality of trips` mounted on eachcarri'er so as to be' indi- Vidullyset from an inoperative position to an operative position, a-.piuraflityof trip-settinglevers corresponding to said tri-'ps-` andmounted at eachdispatch station along the ascending, run-so as to swing outwardly frominactive position to` engage the` trips of a passing carrier,lever-setting inea/ns at each dispatch station including al rotatabledrum having*x spa-ced` openings, the surfaceof-. said drumfbeingengageable' with said'V levers toY hold them inactive position andY saidopenings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to-per-mitselected levers tos-wing from` inactivel position to active positionwhereintheA selected levers set the corresponding trips on a passingcarrier to operative position',- a solenoid operativewhenenerg-izedatociect movement of` the dispatchcarriageto1 loadtransf-er position, a normally' open switch carried by thedispatchmechanism and arranged to bey closedwhcn a load isplaced on thedispatch carriage, a normally closedswitch having an. actuating memberprojecting in' the pathof travely ot the'carriersapproachingl thcdisapatch-station so' as tofcrigage' a load` carriedthere:hl by and open theswitch, the two switclfies5 being connectedl irrseries with: each` otherand in the circuit` of saiidsolenoict so as tocontrokthel operation orthe dispatch mechanism, and' means at each receiving. station responsiveto aparticular setting et the trips: ot an approaching carrie-r" foroperating the receiving mechanism-l` 1-1. In a conveyor system ot thetype having. an endless conveyor member arranged toiI define ascondi-ngand descending runsbetweenr several floors of a-building, carrierssecuredI tosai'df.inein-l ber atspaced intervals and adapted'toreceive'and carry a loadvfrom one-station' toy another, dispatchmechanism at several ot theW stat-ions adjacent to the` ascendingrun',including: a, dispatch carriage horizontaliy movable into andoutof-loadi trai-is fee position with respect tov carriers travelingalong. theE ascending' run,.. and receiving mechah ni's'xnv atseveralfof-the' stations adjacent tcthe'de= scendins'runi. including; a;receiving carriage hore onta-Hy" movable into and out of load. transferposition with respect to carriers traveling along thedescending rumcontrol mechanism. for governing. the opera-tion` ofl the dispatch andreceive ingv mechanisms, comprising` aE plurality of trips mountedA on'.carrier so to' bel individually seti from ani inoperative `position teryan operative positiom. apiurali-tyof tri-pesetting levers! corifresponding: to' 'said trips; and' mounted-at'- cach dis-i patchVstation: along. the ascending run sof asl to swingoutwardl'y frominactlveposition tok engage the trips' or a passing'r carrier,lever-setting. means at. eaclidispatchy station' including a rotatabledrilm having' spaced openings; thesurface ci. saiddrum:beingengageablewith: said; levers? t6- hold'V theni in-inac'tiveposition-and' said openingsbeing' arranged to receive parte of saidlevers, to'` permitselected levers to' swine frominactive` position toactive position wherein` the selected levers set-the corresponding:trips ona` Dassing- 'cari-"ier to opre ati-ve position, oontrolmeans" ateach` receiving; station comprising*- an elettrica-L` circuit includinga solenoid operative wherrenergized to actuate the: receiving.mechanism'l to move the receiving? carriage toi load` transfer'positiony at least one norma-ily open. switch located: inY advance. ofthe receiving".` station-,saidswitclt beine" connected said circuit andhaving-,actuating means positioned so as to be engaged by apredetermined setting of at least one of the trips of aV carrier`approaching the station. thereby to close lthe switch and eiect theoperation of the receiving mechanism, and means on the receivingcarriage for resetting the trips corresponding to that station back toinoperative position.

l2.-In a conveyor system of the type having an endless conveyor memberarranged to dene ascending and descending runs between several iloors ofa building, carriers secured to said member at spaced intervals andadapted to receive and carry a load from one station to another,dispatch mechanism at several of the stations adjacent to the ascendingrun, including a dispatch carriage horizontally movable into and out ofload transfer position. with respect to carriers traveling along theascending run, and receiving mechanism at several of the stationsadjacent to the descending run, including a receiving carriagehoriontally movable into and out of load transfer position with respectto carriers traveling along the descending "run, kcontrol mechanism forgoverning the operation of the dispatch and receiving mechanisms'comprising a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier so as toindividually set from an inoperative position to an operativeposition,'a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station along the ascending run so as toswing outwardly from inactive position to engage the trips of a passingcarrier, lever-setting means at each dispatch station including arotatable drum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable'with said levers to hold them in inactive position and saidopenings being arranged to receive parts of said-levers to permitselected levers to swing from inactive position to active positionwherein the selected llevers set the corresponding trips on a passingcarrier to operative position, an electrical circuit including asolenoid and a circuit-holding relay, said solenoid being operative whenenergized to actuate the dispatch mechanism, a normally .opened switchcarried by the dispatch mechanism and arranged so as tov be closed whena load is placed on the dispatch carriage, a normally closed switchhaving an actuating member projecting into the path of travel of` anapproaching carrier so as to engage aload carried thereby and open theswitch, a. normally opened switch located in advance of each dispatchstation and arranged to be closed by a carrier approaching the station,the three switches being connected in series with each other and in thecircuit of said solenoid so as to control the operation of said dispatchmechanism, a fourth` switch connected with the circuit-holding relay and.disposed on the departing side of said station, said fourth switchbeing normally closed and operated by a carrier leaving the dispatchstation to cut out saidrelay so as to deenergize said solenoid, a secondelectrical circuit associated with each receiving station and includinga solenoid and circuit-holding relay, said solenoid being operative whenenergized to actuate the receiving mechanism, at least one normallyopened switch located in advance of said station,

said switch being connected in said second circuit and having actuatingmeans positioned so as to be engaged by a predetermined setting of atleast one of the trips of a carrier approaching the station thereby tcclose the switch and effect energization of said solenoid to operatesaid receiving mechanism, and means on each receiving carriage forresetting said trips corresponding to that station back to inoperativeposition. Y

13..,In a conveyor system of the type having an endlessconveyor memberarranged to define ascending and descending. runs between several floorsof a building, carriers secured to said member at spaced intervals andadapted to receive and carryaload from one station to another, dispatchmechanism at several of the stations adjacent to the ascending run,including a dispatch carriage horizontally movable into and out of loadtransfer position with respect to `carriers traveling along theascending run, and receiving mechanism at several of the stationsadjacent t0 the descending run, including a receiving carriagehorizontally movable into and out of load transfer position with repsectto carriers traveling along the descending run, control mechanism forgoverning the operation of the dispatch and receiving mechanismscomprisingA a plurality of trips mounted on each carrier so as toindividually swing from an inoperative position to an operativeposition, a plurality of trip-setting levers corresponding to said tripsand mounted at each dispatch station along the ascending run so as toswing outwardly from inactive position to engage the trips of a passingcarrier, lever-setting means at each dispatch station 'including arotatable drumlhaving spaced openings, the surface of said drum beingengageable with said levers to hold them in inactive position and saidopenings being -arranged to receive parts of said levers to permitselectedlevers to swing from inactive position to active positionwherein the selected levers set the corresponding trips on a passingcarrier tc operative position, an electrica1 circuit including asolenoid and a circuit-holding relay, said solenoid being operative whenenergized to actuatethe dispatch mechanism, a normally opened switchcarried by the dispatch mechanism and arranged so as tc be closed when aload is placed on the dispatch carriage, a normally closed switch havingan actuating member projecting into the path of travel of 'anapproaching carrier so as to engage a load carried therebyv and open theswitch, a normally opened switch located in advance of each dispatchstation and arranged to be closed by a carrier approaching the station,the three switches being connected in series with each other and in thecircuit of said solenoid so as to control the operation of said dispatchmechanism, a fourth switch connected with the circuit-holding relay anddisposed on the departing side of said station, said fourth switch beingnormally closed and operated by a carrier leaving the dispatch stationto cut out said relay so as to deenergize said solenoid, a secondelectrica1 circuitI associated with each receiving station and includinga solenoid and circuit-holding relay, said solenoid being operative'when energized to actuate the receiving mechanism, at least onenormallyopen switch located in advance of said station, said switchbeing connected in series in said second circui-t and having actuatingmeans positioned so as to be engaged by a predetermined setting of atleast one of the trips of a carrier approaching the station thereby toclose the switch and effect energization of said solenoid to operatesaid receiving mechanism, a normallyclosedA switch at each receivingstation arranged so as to'be opened by a load transferred from a passingcarrier to the receiving carriage, said switch being connected in saidsecond circuit so as to prevent the energization of said solenoid'when aload' transferred to said receiving carriage has not been removed, andmeans at each receiving station responsive to the operation of saidreceiving car'- riagefor resetting the said trips corresponding to thatstation back to inoperative position.

le. In a conveyor of the type having a plural'- ityA of dispatch' andreceivingstations and earriers moving along aiixed path between saidAstations, eachy carrier having a plurality of movable trips arranged soas to-be individuallyfset inaccordance with the intended destination ofa load carried' thereby, trip-settingV mecl'ianisinv at each dispatchstation comprising a plurality of tripsetting members arranged along thepath of travel of the carrier and individually adjustable from aninoperative position', wherein their free ends are spaced from the tripsof a pass-ing carrier, to an operative position, wherein said free endsengage and set the trips of a passing carrier, a rotatable member havingparts engageable with said trip-setting members to hold them ini oneposition and a plurality of spaced openings arranged to receive parts'of said-trip-setting members to permit them to be moved to anotherposition so that upon a predetermined degree of rotation of saidrotatable member any one or combination of trip-setting members maybeset to operate the corresponding` trips of a passing carrier, andmeans. engageable with saidl tripsetting members for restoring andnormally maintaining them in inoperative position.

15. In 4a conveyor of the type having a plurality of dispatch andreceiving stations and carriers moving along a xed path between saidstations, each carrier having a plurality of movable trips arranged soas to be individually set in accordance with the intended destination ofa load carried thereby, trip-setting mechanism at each dispatch stationcomprising a rock shaft, a plurality of levers mounted on said rockshaft along the path of travel of said carriers, each lever having africtional gripping action on said rock shaft so as to rock therewith,unless restrained, from an inoperative position, wherein its free end isspaced from the corresponding trip on each carrier, to an operativeposition, wherein its free end engages and sets the corresponding tripof a passing carrier, a rotatable drum having spaced openings, thesurface of said drum being engageable with each of said levers so as torestrain rocking movement and thereby prevent setting of the levers,said openings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to permitthem to move to operative position so that upon a predetermined degreeof rotation of said rotatable member any one or combination of leversmay be set to operate the corresponding trips of a passing carrier,means responsive to the approach of a c'arrier to rock said shaft to setselected levers in operative position, and means responsive to thedeparture of the carrier to reset and normally maintain said levers ininoperative position.

16. In a conveyor of the type having a plurality of dispatch andreceiving stations and carriers moving along a fixed path between saidstations, each carrier having a plurality of movable trips arranged soas to be individually set in accord- -ance with the intended destinationof a load carried thereby, trip-setting mechanism at each dispatchstation comprising a plurality of trip-setting members arranged alongthe path of travel of the carrier and individually adjustable from aninoperative position, wherein their rfree ends are spaced from the tripsof a passing carrier, to an operative position, wherein said free endsengage and set the trips of a passing carrier, a

solenoid' opera-tivev upon being energized te move said trip-settingmembers from i'r-iop'erative to operativeposition, means operative uponthe dee energization of` said solenoid to reset and* normally maintainsaid trip-setting members in inoperative position, and a rotatable drumhaving spaced openings, the surface of said drum being engageable witheach of said trip-setting members to lock it in inoperative position,said openings being arranged to receive Darts or said-levers to permitthem to move to operative position so that upon a predetermined degreeof rotation' of said rotatable member any one or combination of'trip-settingy members maybe set to operate the trips of a passing'carrier.

17. In a conveyor of the type having a plurality of dispatch andreceiving stations and carriers moving along a iixed path betweensainsta tions, each carrier having a plurality of movable tripsarrangedso as to be in'dividually set in accordance with the intendeddestination of a loadcarriedl thereby', trip-setting mechanism at eachdispatch station comprising av rock shaft, a plurality of* leversmounted on said rock shaft along the path of travel of said carriers,each lever having a i-'rictionalA gripping action on said rock shaft soas toV rock therewith, unless' restrained, from an inoperative position,wherein its freeend is spaced from the corresponding trip on eachcarrier, to an operative position, wherein its free end engages and setsthe corresponding trip of a passing carrier, a rotatable drum havingspaced openings engageable with each of said levers so as to restrainrocking movement and thereby prevent setting of the levers, saidopenings being arranged to receive parts of said levers to permit themto move to operative position so that upon a predetermined degree ofrotation of said rotatable member any one or combination of levers maybe set to operate the corresponding trips of a passing carrier, asolenoid connected with said shaft and operative upon being energized torock said shaft to set selected levers, -a normally open switchcontrolling the energization of said solenoid, said switch having anactuating member engageable by an approaching carrier to close saidswitch, and means responsive to deenergization of said solenoid to resetand normally maintain said levers in inoperative position;

18. In a conveyor of the type having a plurality of dispatch andreceiving stations and carriers moving along a fixed path between saidstations, each carrier having a plurality of movable trips arranged soas to be individually set in accordance with the intended destination ofa load carried thereby, trip-setting mechanism at each dispatch stationcomprising a rock shaft, a plurality of levers mounted on said rockshaft along the path of travel of said carriers, each lever having africtional gripping action on said rock shaft so as to rock therewith,unless restrained, from an inoperative position, wherein its free end isspaced from the corresponding trip on each carrier, to an operativeposition, wherein its free end engages and sets the corresponding tripof a passing carrier, a rotatable drum juxtaposed to said levers, saiddrum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum being engageablewith said levers to hold them in inperative position and said openingsbeing arranged to receive parts of said levers to permit them to swingto operative position so that upon a predetermined degree of rotation ofsaid drum any one or combination of levers may be set to operate thecorresponding trips of a passing carrier, resilient means acting on saidshaft and yielding restraining rocking movement thereof, therebynormally to maintain the levers in inoperative position, and meansoperative as a carrier approaches and passes the dispatch station torock said shaft and thereby set selected levers in operative position.

19. In a conveyor of the type having a plurality of dispatch andreceiving stations and carriers moving along a xed path between saidstations, each carrier having a plurality of movable trips arranged soas to be individually set in accordance with the intended destination ofa load carried thereby, trip-setting mechanism at each dispatch stationcomprising a rock shaft, a plurality of levers mounted on said rockshaft along the path of travel of said carriers, each lever having africtional gripping action on said rock shaft -so as to rock therewith,unless restrained, from an inoperative position, wherein its free end isspaced from the corresponding trip on each carrier, to an operativeposition, wherein its free end engages and sets the corresponding tripof a passing carrier, a, rotatable drum juxtaposed to said levers, saiddrum having spaced openings, the surface of said drum being engageablewith said levers to hold them in inoperative position and said openingsbeing arranged to receive parts of said levers to permit them to swingto operative position so that upon a predetermined de,- gree of rotationof said drum any one or combination of levers may be set to operate thecorresponding trips of a passing carrier, resilient means acting on saidshaft and yielding restrain ing rocking movement thereof, therebynormally to maintain the levers in inoperative position, a solenoidoperative when energized to rock said shaft, and a control circuit forsaid solenoid, said circuit including a normally open switch having anactuating member arranged to engage an approaching carrier so as toclose said switch and eiect energization of said solenoid, and anormally closed switch having an actuating member arranged to engage thedeparting carrier so as to open the normally closed switch and therebyeffect deenergization of said solenoid.

S. L. GRISWOLD KNOX.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

